The Hunt for Gollum
Transcription
The Hunt for Gollum
Strategy Battle Game JOURNEY 2 The Hunt for Gollum An Unofficial Journey Supplement for The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game “My friend returned out of the great perils bringing this miserable creature with him.” -Gandalf to Frodo, Fellowship of the Ring 3 By: J.T. Garcia and Gavin Bennett Pictures: J.T. Garcia, Gavin Bennett, Games Workshop, Independent Online Cinema, New Line Cinema, eBob Miniatures. Miniatures: Citadel Miniatures, Mithril Miniatures, eBob Miniatures Thanks to: The Last Alliance, Games-Workshop, Independent Online Cinema, New Line Cinema, J.R.R. Tolkien, eBob Miniatures PRODUCED BY POOPY INC The Hunt for Gollum Journey book Supplement is purely a fan-made supplement and not intended to be used for commercial purposes. Some pictures are copyright Games Workshop and/or Independent Online Cinema, as well as New Line Cinema and eBob Miniatures, with no copyright infringement intended. Poopy Inc., 2009 is not an official company and has no legal basis. 4 Introduction The creature Gollum lurks in the wilderness, bent on regaining the One Ring and enacting revenge on the Hobbit who stole it. While Gollum wanders the wilds, he himself is hunted. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, greatest traveler of his age, has left Rivendell on a perilous errand. He must find Gollum before the Enemy finds him. This is The Hunt for Gollum, a prelude to The Fellowship of the Ring. Hello, and welcome to the unofficial journey supplement for The Hunt for Gollum, a marvelous independent fan film inspired by passages from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Within these pages, you will find scenarios taken from both the fan film and the novel, The Fellowship of the Ring. Building upon these two resources, in addition to the coincidentally titled scenario in White Dwarf 301, The Hunt for Gollum, these scenarios will make an excellent prelude to The Fellowship of the Ring Journey Supplement. In this supplement, players will take control of characters such as Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir, Arithir the Ranger of Arnor, Gandalf the Grey, Goblock the Orc Chieftain, the Witchking of Angmar, and even Gollum, not to mention Mordor Orcs and Elves of Mirkwood. This volume also includes suggestions for miniatures to match the new characters featured in the movie. The hunt begins… J.T. Garcia 5 The Hunt for Gollum A Frightening Conspiracy Suspicious that the ‘little trinket’ that Bilbo Baggins had taken from Gollum was more than an ordinary ring of power, Gandalf went out from the Shire in search of this creature who Bilbo had defeated in a skirmish of wits. Accompanied with him was Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Isildur’s Heir and greatest huntsman, wanderer, and ranger of the age. Together, the two searched in vain for Gollum for many a year. In submission, Gandalf abandoned the quest to research in the libraries of Minas Tirith for an alternative confirmation that Bilbo’s ring was indeed the One Ring. Isildur’s Heir Aragorn alone was left to search for Gollum. After a fruitless and perilous search across Middle-earth, Aragorn too despaired and began his return home. However, as fate would have it, Aragorn came upon footprints in the mud, footprints that led the ranger to the Dead Marshes, where he discovered Gollum covered in green slime. It was here that, though he was bitten and shown little submission, Aragorn succeeded in capturing Gollum. Making haste, Aragorn delivered Gollum to the Elves of Mirkwood. The Interrogation Receiving word from Lorien that Aragorn had passed their path, Gandalf the Grey flew to Mirkwood. It was here that he found the creature Gollum and interrogated him. He pieced together much of what he had already known and further confirmed his suspicion that Bilbo’s old magic ring was indeed the One Ring to Rule Them All. Frodo was in grave danger. 6 Scenario I Travelers in Peril Gandalf and Aragorn have searched through the wilderness in search of Gollum. They have not found him. Their journeys were not without peril, as Orcs commonly attack all whom they encounter. Participants Good Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir Gandalf the Grey Evil 1 Orc Captain 9 Orcs with shields 4 Orcs with spears 4 Orcs with bows 4 Orcs with two-handed weapons 3 Orc Trackers Layout The scenario is played on a board 48” x 48”. The board should include plenty of trees, hills, stones, and other difficult terrain found in forests. Starting Positions The Good Player must place Aragorn and Gandalf on a table edge of their choice, no more than 10” from the table edge. The Evil Player may place five of any evil participants on the board anywhere, so long as they are at least 6” from the good participants. The remainder of the evil models are Reinforcements that will appear later in the game. Objectives The Good Player must escape the opposite table edge with both heroes alive. The Evil Player must kill both good heroes. If only one hero makes it off the table edge alive, the game is a draw. Special Rules Make Haste! Gandalf and Aragorn must get back on track in their hunt for Gollum, and have no time to deal with a ravaging and savage band of Orc raiders. Thus, their movement increases by 1” each turn if the Good Player rolls a 4+ before the move phase. Reinforcements Starting on turn 2, the Evil Player may roll a D6 after the movement phase to determine if 5 more evil models will enter the board. On a roll of 4+, five evil models may enter any edge of the table, no more than 1” from the edge. 7 The Orcs stalk their foes. 8 Scenario II A Nameless Fear The wood was full of the rumor of Gollum, dreadful tales even among beast and birds. The Woodmen said “there was some new terror abroad, a ghost that drank blood. It climbed trees to find nests; it crept into holes to find the young; it slipped through the windows to find cradles.” Participants Good 3 Townsfolk Evil Gollum Layout The board is to be 24”x 24”. The board should be made to look like a village, with a minimum of five buildings or structures. Starting Positions The good models should start in the center of the board, while Gollum should start on any edge of the board, no more than 1” from the edge. Objectives The Townsfolk are trying to keep the horrific creature from terrorizing their town. However, per Gollum’s rules, Gollum cannot be killed; the Good Player must defeat Gollum in combat five times before he will give up. The Evil Player must have Gollum in base contact with a building, uninterrupted, for a full turn for three different buildings, representing Gollum stealing a family’s food. 9 Special Rules Alert the Others! If Gollum slays a Townsperson, a new Townsperson may be spawned in the center of the village on a roll of 4+ after the movement phase on the turn after he died. Did We Kill It? If Gollum is defeated in combat, all townsfolk currently on the board must be placed in the center of the board. This represents the idea that, believing that Gollum had been slain, the townsfolk would meet in the center to discuss the creature, which villager had killed it, and, obviously, lead each other to the body. 10 Scenario III The Ranger of Arnor Upon his quest, Aragorn encountered Arithir, a ranger of Arnor. At first, Aragorn deems Arithir a foe. There is a clash of steel in the woods. After a brief skirmish, Arithir reveals his true allegiance. Participants Good Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir Wild Arithir, Ranger of Arnor Layout The board played on should be about 12” by 12”. Place woodland terrain generously around the board. Starting Positions Each player should place their model on a table edge. Objectives One ranger needs to best the other in combat. Special Rules Friend or Foe? This is not a fight to the death. Neither Ranger will injure the other. 11 Arithir smokes his pipe after a hard day of traveling. 12 Scenario IV This Land Does Not Belong To You Orcs are abroad. A warband is scouting the area, hungry for blood and loot. Two dangerous and accomplished trackers have set out to scout the woods. However they did not expect encounter by one of the most skilled warriors in Middle-earth. Participants Good Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir Evil 2 Orc Captains Layout The playing area for this scenario should be 24” by 24”. Place woodland terrain liberally across the board. Starting Positions The Evil Player must set up his models in the center of the board, while the Good Player may set up Aragorn on any table edge. Objectives The Good Player must kill all Enemy models. The Evil Player must either kill Aragorn or have both his Orcs escape off a table edge. Any other result is a draw Special Rules None. Linked Campaign If these scenarios are played as a linked campaign, add one Orc Captain for each Orc Captain that survives this scenario to the scenario Orc Raid. 13 Few servants of Sauron can escape the wrath of Aragorn. 14 Scenario V The Capture of Gollum Just as Aragorn had begun to despair, and his hope of capturing Gollum was fading, he came upon tracks that belonged to the quarry of his quest. These tracks led him to the Dead Marshes, the inhospitable swamp that was once the site of the Battle of Dagorlad. It was here that Aragorn at last came upon Gollum, but the creature was sly and stubborn, and would take some skill to capture. Participants Good Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir Evil 3 Dead Marsh Specters Gollum Layout This scenario is played on a 24” by 24” board. The board is decorated with marshland scenery. There are no trees in the Dead Marshes, nor any sign of buildings or the works of man. Starting Positions Gollum should be placed in the center of the board. Aragorn may start at any edge, no more than 1” from the edge. The Evil Player may place the Dead Marsh Specters anywhere he or she desires, so long as they are 7” from Aragorn at the start of the game. Objectives Aragorn must capture Gollum. To do this, he must beat Gollum in combat. The Evil Player must try to have Gollum escape by leaving off a board edge. Special Rules Caught Unawares. Such is the stealth of Aragorn that Gollum cannot move from his spot until Aragorn is within 12” of him. Something Different… In The Hunt for Gollum film, Aragorn captured Gollum in a forest by luring him into a trap. Alternatively, set up this scenario in the woods, and replace the Specters with Orcs. 15 The Dead Marshes 16 Scenario VI Orc Raid The Orc warband does not grieve overmuch for its lost scouts, though the leader, Goblock, is now curious as to what happened to them. Upon their path to pillage defenseless villages, they find and attack the foe that slew the two Orcs. Participants Good Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir Evil Gollum Goblock 1 Orc Captain 4 Orcs with shields 4 Orcs with spears 3 Orcs with bows 4 Orcs with two-handed weapons Layout This scenario should be played on a board sized 48” by 48”. The board should be made to look like a forest with a large clearing. Starting Positions The Evil Player may set up his models, except for Gollum, anywhere on one half of the board (we recommend putting Goblock as far back as possible). On the opposite side, Aragorn and Gollum arrive no more than 6” from the board edge. Objectives Aragorn knows that a party of Orcs needs a leader. To witness Goblock’s death would be the breaking point for the courage of the Orcs under the fearsome leader’s command. Aragorn must slay Goblock. The Evil Player must attempt to kill Aragorn, as well as have Gollum escape the opposite edge. Any other result is a draw. Special Rules Blessing of Arwen If Aragorn is killed in this scenario, he may come back to life with a single wound and a single point of will. He will be returned to normal in the next scenario. Gollum is Getting Away! Gollum has escaped Aragorn’s grasp. To recapture Gollum, Aragorn must beat him in combat. He will remain under the Good Players control for one turn after this; then, he returns to the Evil Player and must be recaptured again. 17 Aragorn is surrounded. 18 Scenario VII We Have Your Creature After the incursion with the Orc Raiders, Aragorn lost Gollum. He tracked the pitiful creature until he found him atop a tree. Before Aragorn could convince the gangly being to come down, a Ringwraith loomed out of the darkness—but an unlooked- for ally appeared to aid the ranger. Participants Good Aragorn, Isildur’s Heir Indor, Wood Elf Captain with bow Evil Gollum The Witch-king, on horse Layout This scenario should be played on a board sized 24” by 24”. One large tree should be placed in or near the center of the board. The rest of the board should be filled up with bushes, trees, rocks and other objects found in a wooded area, but not too densely. Starting Positions Gollum is placed directly under the large tree in the middle of the board. Aragorn is placed no less than 6” from the tree. The Witch-king should be placed on any side of the board, at most 6” from the edge. Indor, the Elf Captain, is kept in reserve. Objectives Both the Witch-king and Aragorn are attempting to capture Gollum. The Good Player must defeat the Witch-king and capture Gollum, and the Evil Player must kill Aragorn and capture Gollum. See the special rules for more information regarding claiming Gollum. Special Rules Reserves. Indor, the Wood Elf Captain may enter the board on Turn 2 or Turn 3 with a roll of 4+ after the movement phase. He will automatically arrive on Turn 4. He can do nothing further in the turn he arrives. Capturing Gollum. Gollum is helpless in this scenario. To capture Gollum, the player must be in base contact with him for a full undisturbed turn. To keep control of Gollum, the player must keep base contact. If the player loses base contact, Gollum will attempt to crawl (and wiggle) towards the board edge at 2” (5cm) per turn. 19 Aragorn duels the Witch-king for custody of Gollum. 20 Profiles and Additional Rules Arithir, Ranger of Arnor (Man) Arithir F 4/3+ S 4 D 5 A 2 Points Value: 50 W 2 C 4 Might 2 Will 1 Fate 1 Wargear Arithir carries a sword (hand weapon) and a bow. For an additional cost, he may also be given the following: Horse (10 Points) Arithir is a well traveled ranger and a keen gatherer of rumors. To use Arithir in your games of The Lord of the Rings, we recommend using a miniature of Damrod. Alternatively, a converted Dunedain of the North would be a perfect model to use for Arithir. ________________________________________________________________________ Townsfolk Townsfolk Points Value: 2 F 2/5+ S 3 D 3 A 1 W 1 C 2 Wargear Townsfolk are armed with a hand weapon. They may be given the following at an additional cost: Bow (2 Points) There are simple, meager townsfolk spread across Middle-earth, from the quiet village of Bree to the desolate towns of Ithilien. They are most often unaware of the great world around them, and, for the most part, that is how they like it; to be left alone in peace is the ideal setting for the average inhabitant of Middle-earth. To use Townsfolk in your games of The Lord of the Rings, we highly recommend using the Townsfolk blister back from eBob Miniatures. 21 Indor, Mirkwood Scout (Elf) Indor F 5/3+ S 4 D 4 Points Value: 60 A 2 W 2 C 5 Might 2 Will 1 Fate 1 Wargear Indor carries a sword (hand weapon) and an elf bow. For an additional cost, he may also be given the following: Horse 10pts Elven Cloak 10pts Indor is an Elf scout and captain of the Taurdirim of Mirkwood. Like his distant kinsman, Legolas, he protects Thranduil’s Woodland Realm from all enemies. He is farsighted and grim, and little happens in the borderlands of Mirkwood without his knowledge. 22 Goblock, Orc Captain F 4/5+ Goblock S 4 Points Value: 50 D 5 A 2 W 2 C 4 Might 2 Will 1 Fate 1 Wargear Goblock is armed with two hand weapons and wears armor. At an additional cost, he may have the following: Replace two hand weapons for one two handed weapon (5 Points) Special Rules Save the Best for Last. Goblock may add +1 to his strength and defense characteristics if he is either the last Orc in play or he is fighting an enemy model alone. This rule does not apply if he was the only Orc originally fielded. Goblock led an Orc Raid shortly before the War of the Ring began, but his life was claimed when he encountered Aragorn on his hunt for Gollum. To use Goblock in your Lord of the Rings games, we recommend using a slightly converted Orc Taskmaster—replace his whip with a hand weapon or club. Alternatively, you may want to use a Golfimbul model. ________________________________________________________________________ Additional Rules My Precious… (Modified) Gollum’s special rule, as featured in The One Rulebook, conflicts with the rules needed for the scenarios featured in this supplement. First off, Gollum does not need the Ringbearer to be on the playing area. However, Gollum cannot be killed, as Aragorn needs him alive. Also, Gollum is controlled entirely by the Evil Player throughout the course of the book; he is not controlled by whoever character has priority. Isildur’s Heir Ideally, the Aragorn to use for the scenarios in this supplement would be the Isildur’s Heir model, or the miniature that is found in the Three Hunters boxed set. Feel free to use a different Aragorn miniature, but it is still recommended that you use the rules for Isildur’s Heir, found in The Council of Elrond. Linked Campaign When playing these scenarios as a linked campaign, keep track of Aragorn’s deaths. If Aragorn is killed, he will return to the next scenario with 1 Wound and 1 Fate. For Evil to win, Aragorn must be killed twice (not including the ‘free’ death in Orc Raid). For Good to win, the Good Player must win We Have Your Creature. 23 Gallery We converted this Dunedain of the North to use as Arithir. Arithir faces Orcs in the wilds. 24 25 This supplement will allow you to recreate the events featured in the fan film, The Hunt for Gollum, and certain events mentioned in The Fellowship of the Ring book. Included are seven scenarios, background information, and three new profiles for your gaming enjoyment. Travel across Middle-earth in search of Gollum, or command the forces of Evil in their never ending quest to eliminate the Free Peoples. 26